Tennova Cardiology Reports Theft of Laptop with Patient Information

Tennova Cardiology has notified a group of patients that some data about them was on a laptop belonging to an independent, third-party transcription contractor that was stolen from the contractor’s car.

Tennova Cardiology has no reason to believe that this information has been accessed or misused in a way that would cause harm to the affected patients.  The unencrypted laptop contained data from patients referred to Tennova Cardiology by Summit Medical Group for cardiac diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests were performed at the Summit diagnostic services locations.

The contractor provided transcription services for Tennova Cardiology physician group. The theft occurred in Nashville October 21, 2013 and Tennova Cardiology was notified October 22, 2013. Over the past few weeks, Tennova Cardiology has worked to identify all patients whose information may have been on the laptop and has mailed a letter to the 2,777 patients who may have been affected.

The information contained on the laptop stolen from the contracted transcriptionist may include names, dates of birth, referring physician names, and health information about patient treatment and diagnostic procedures.  There is no evidence that any Social Security numbers were included in the information contained on the laptop.

The Nashville Metropolitan Police Department was informed of the theft by the contractor and a police investigation was initiated. Tennova Cardiology has initiated a full and detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding this incident.  The contractor is no longer performing services for the physician group.

As a precautionary measure, Tennova Cardiology has established a dedicated information line to provide personal consultation regarding how to receive one year of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

Tennova Cardiology understands the critical importance of personal information privacy, and sincerely apologizes that this security breach occurred.  Anyone with questions about this incident may contact (866) 369-0422 for more information.

About Tennova Healthcare

Located in East Tennessee, Tennova Healthcare operates six acute-care hospitals and many other healthcare facilities across the region.  More than 1,000 of the area’s leading physicians are on the active staff at Tennova facilities.  One of East Tennessee’s largest employers, Tennova has more than 5,000 associates dedicated to providing compassionate care using the latest medical technology.  For more information visit www.Tennova.com.